The color photo of this theatre at the top of this link is so beautiful and the folks of Richmond are very fortunate to have this theatre in their midst.
TC: Thanks for the photo and I just have to shake my head to think this theatre and many other elaborate Chicago theatres are either GONE or in very sad condition with rotting interiors due to leaking roofs and no heat during the harsh midwestern winters! If Eberson AND his son, Drew were to see all of this, they’d turn over in their graves!!!
beardbear: Your link with photos were great except for the 2000 photo! The marquee comparisons were really something to compare..nothing compares to that ‘sunburst’ design and I don’t think I’ve seen one like it before now! Why would anyone want to change that very unique marquee design!?!
“was billed as the world’s most beautiful theater. It is regarded as one of the finest designs by its architect, John Eberson. The sheer opulence and intricate craftsmanship that went into the theater made it a showpiece in itself.” “Unfortunately, in 1956, owners Balaban and Katz decided to demolish the theater and sell the land to a supermarket chain. The theater that was also built to stand forever almost lived up to that claim; what was to have been a six month demolition took two years!” I say, shame on you, Chicago!
The exterior photo is really quite beautiful and the Middle Eastern style reminds me of the Fox in Atlanta. After reading the posts here someone in the Chicago area should contact Stephanie Grant who posted LAST October and review her idea!
On my day trip to Lockport NY to see the Palace I drove by this drive-in and saw the 4 screens! I also noticed at the entrance the famous sad and happy theatrical faces. Worth seeing!
Patsy
commented about
Cineon
Jun 5, 2005 at 11:51 pm
What is at 1170 Central Avenue now? Probably a parking lot!
Well, I visited Gowanda’s Hollywood Theatre today. The theatre is under renovation so will someday be beautiful once again and the town was full of beautiful Harleys. The theatre was the dream of a Mr. Wilhelm and his original home is on the corner of Main and Chapel.
Lauren: Well, at least it escaped demolition though sometimes they are not when a church chooses to build a new addition on that same piece of land as was done in a PA town near my hometown in NYS!
Bryan: This is sad sad news because “The DuPage is one of the rare atmospheric theaters first concieved by famed architect John Eberson.” Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever!
belmontdrew: I totally agree with….“Would’ve been cool to have kept those seats and turned the place into a hybrid bookstore/movie theatre!”
“The building was demolished to make way for a parking garage.” Shame!
Thanks….start scanning!
“asbestos abatement” causes one to pause and I just wonder how much of this exists in restoring and/or renovating old theatres of yester-year!?!
Twistr54: Great!
Many theatres had a Loew’s connection, it seems.
Where on eBay is this theater listed or has it sold?
The color photo of this theatre at the top of this link is so beautiful and the folks of Richmond are very fortunate to have this theatre in their midst.
TC: Thanks for the photo and I just have to shake my head to think this theatre and many other elaborate Chicago theatres are either GONE or in very sad condition with rotting interiors due to leaking roofs and no heat during the harsh midwestern winters! If Eberson AND his son, Drew were to see all of this, they’d turn over in their graves!!!
beardbear: Your link with photos were great except for the 2000 photo! The marquee comparisons were really something to compare..nothing compares to that ‘sunburst’ design and I don’t think I’ve seen one like it before now! Why would anyone want to change that very unique marquee design!?!
“was billed as the world’s most beautiful theater. It is regarded as one of the finest designs by its architect, John Eberson. The sheer opulence and intricate craftsmanship that went into the theater made it a showpiece in itself.” “Unfortunately, in 1956, owners Balaban and Katz decided to demolish the theater and sell the land to a supermarket chain. The theater that was also built to stand forever almost lived up to that claim; what was to have been a six month demolition took two years!” I say, shame on you, Chicago!
Not only is this theatre Moorish in style like the Fox in Atlanta, it is an Eberson atmospheric movie palace!!
The exterior photo is really quite beautiful and the Middle Eastern style reminds me of the Fox in Atlanta. After reading the posts here someone in the Chicago area should contact Stephanie Grant who posted LAST October and review her idea!
Bryan: Your 1927 interior link to the former Avalon weren’t available to view.
Just today I was told about this must-see theatre in Syracuse so may have to check it out!
On my day trip to Lockport NY to see the Palace I drove by this drive-in and saw the 4 screens! I also noticed at the entrance the famous sad and happy theatrical faces. Worth seeing!
What is at 1170 Central Avenue now? Probably a parking lot!
This theatre is listed as closed so can anyone tell me if it is still standing?
Well, I visited Gowanda’s Hollywood Theatre today. The theatre is under renovation so will someday be beautiful once again and the town was full of beautiful Harleys. The theatre was the dream of a Mr. Wilhelm and his original home is on the corner of Main and Chapel.
The guestbook has a message that talks about the original organ being in Dunedin FL now.
This theatre has a wonderful and complete website. Stop by,sign their guestbook and read what others have written.
Lauren: Well, at least it escaped demolition though sometimes they are not when a church chooses to build a new addition on that same piece of land as was done in a PA town near my hometown in NYS!
Caro: Cute story yet sad that the drape doesn’t still hang in its intented spot in history.
Tick: Hope you find interior pix. What was the Grand Drape?
Bryan: This is sad sad news because “The DuPage is one of the rare atmospheric theaters first concieved by famed architect John Eberson.” Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever!